Final shuttle mission carries Morehead State experiment

Students in the Space Science program at Morehead State University will be watching the launch of STS-135, the final space shuttle mission, with special attention. An experiment they designed will be carried into space on the shuttle Atlantis' final flight.

"It's a big honor for NASA to accept us on its last shuttle mission. We take that seriously and we want to represent Morehead State and the state of Kentucky in a good manner," says Brandon Molton.

"It's really an honor to know that a little piece of Kentucky is going to be a big part of history," says Clay Graves.

The students hope their experiment will help further cancer treatment research.

"It's to primarily test the effects of space on glioblastoma cells and how we can possibly use space as an avenue for possibly treating cancer," says Tyler Rose.

While the students are excited that their experiment will fly on the shuttles last mission, they're also sad to see the end of an era.

"It's kind of sad. Ever since I was a kid I've looked forward to watching these shuttle flights on TV and I finally got a chance to come to Morehead State to study space science and finally got a chance to be involved in the shuttle program and for it to be it's last flight it's sad, but we're also excited that we get our project stamped on the last shuttle flight," says Molton.

Although the students are saddened by the end of the space shuttle, they're still excited about what the future may hold for American manned spaceflight.

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